RE/MAX agents closed more than 2 million total transaction sides last year, a milestone no other real estate brand has ever reached, President and CEO Nick Bailey announced at the rousing Opening General Session of the 2022 RE/MAX R4 Convention in Las Vegas.
“We’re a company of firsts,” Bailey told the live audience of more than 7,000. “And now we’re the first (network) in the history of real estate to close 2 million sides in a year.”
The announcement was one of many highlights in a session – hosted by radio personality Bobby Bones – that reinforced how RE/MAX is a forward-looking, tech-savvy network built on a time-tested foundation of productivity and service.
“Our foundation is solid, and we continue to evolve and expand,” Bailey said, drawing an analogy to his childhood home – built decades ago but constantly updated, improved and modernized.
RE/MAX agents increased their productivity in every area last year:
• U.S.: 16.3 sides/agent
• Canada: 20.4 sides/agent
• Global: 9.9 sides/agent
In a business based on relationships and service, that productivity is fueled in part by RE/MAX competitive advantages such as brand power, marketing, technology and culture, Bailey said.
“Brand gives you a major competitive advantage,” he said. “When you put on this [RE/MAX balloon] pin, it doesn’t just signal to buyers and sellers that you’re in real estate. Do you know what it says? You’re really good at it. People know and trust the brand. It’s working for you every day.”
Simple and Easy
Amplifying his point about brand, Bailey showed “All Together,” the flagship spot from the recently released 2022 RE/MAX National Advertising Campaign. He also showed agents how they can personalize the spots with their photos and contact details for use on social media – all in under a minute.
“These ads are yours,” Bailey said. “Use them to promote you and your business.”
Following a period of aggressive technology acquisitions and product development, 2022 will be a year of integrating those elements into a single ecosystem, Bailey said.
The starting point is MAX/Center, the secure portal through which agents can access products, services and resources. The site is being simplified and personalized to make it an even better experience, he said. It’s an ongoing process, with constantly new iterations on the horizon.
“You want it simple, easy to use and easy to access,” Bailey said. “We’re on that mission. It doesn’t mean it’s all done today. But you can you see all the progress being made.”
Bailey also touted two technology products – Megaphone and First – that have helped agents get more targeted and strategic in their marketing efforts. First, in particular, is having a big impact on productivity.
Going Big on Teams
Teams, Bailey said, are another growing focus for the RE/MAX network.
Citing data that shows 72% of agents say they believe teams are essential to their success and 86% of teams believe they have a competitive advantage in the marketplace, Bailey announced two new ways RE/MAX is encouraging teams within the U.S. and Canadian membership.
The first is exclusive, specialized training through a new agreement with a premier team coaching company. “RealTeams Solution powered by Workman Success Systems” for RE/MAX includes all the resources an agent would need to start a team – or that a team leader would need to expand a team. The extensive program, delivered through RE/MAX University, includes a wealth of customized content and instruction.
The second team-friendly development: new brand standards enabling teams to add their team logo to RE/MAX yard signs. The announcement drew sizable applause in the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
“We’re going bigger on teams than we ever have,” Bailey said, noting that RE/MAX Co-Founders Dave and Gail Liniger helped introduce the concept years ago.
Toward the end of his address, Bailey said he was “honored” to lead the network into its 50th year and beyond.
“You have my commitment that I will do everything possible to help lead us to the future,” Bailey said to wild applause. “The best part is we’re not going to get distracted. We’re going to stay laser-focused on what matters.”
